Suggested Citation:
Sanguinetti, Angela and Eli Alston-Stepnitz (2023)

Using Emerging Mobility Data to Advocate Equitable Micromobility Infrastructure in Underserved Communities

Low-income communities and communities of color have been historically oppressed within transportation planning, including planning for active transportation (AT) which they use at high rates. Emerging mobility data enabled by smartphone technology and shared mobility services has been suggested as a potential solution to increase representation of these groups, although some of these data sources may in fact reinforce existing biases. The Mobility Data for Safer Streets Initiative equipped advocates with data tools to support their efforts to make streets safer for AT. Many of their data uses did highlight the needs of underserved communities. This research leveraged data from the program evaluation to understand emerging data use cases and applications related to promoting equity in AT planning and characteristics of the data tools that are supportive or inhibitive of these purposes. Results can inform emerging mobility data providers and support practitioners to improve street safety for all AT users.